Review of The Starthorn Tree by Jodi Crome

The Starthorn Tree
Kate Forsyth
Pan, 2002, 498 pages
ISBN: 0330363484

Reviewed by Jodi Crome

Fantasy, Mateship, and the Australian Way

Far, far away in the conflict-torn land of Estelliana, a usurper named Lord Zavion rules the throne, while the true regent, Count Zygmunt, lies in a deathlike trance. So begins the latest fantasy story from Sydney author, Kate Forsyth. The Starthorn Tree's basic premise is strengthened by the youthful cast of characters who take it upon themselves to reverse the unjust leadership and right the wrongs committed in the land.

Estelliana is home to a myriad of interesting fantasy characters. The land is divided into tribal, or racial, groups. The ruling class are the Starkin, a tall, mystical race of people who have colonised the land of Estelliana, imposing their harsh system of rules and justice. The original inhabitants were the Hearthkin, rural people making their living from the land and serving the needs of the Starkin, and the Wildkin, a feared race who live in the Perilous Forest.

These three groups live side-by-side in constant discord, the Hearthkin and Wildkin subdued by the ruling might of the Starkin with their terrifying fusiliers that can vaporise recalcitrant citizens with one zap.

While Kate Forsyth weaves a magical, fantastical tale, the colonising Starkin race oppressing the indigenous Hearthkin and Wildkin is strangely reminiscent of Australian history. For this reason, Brisbane reading audiences, and national reading audiences, may find this novel of interest.

However, the One Book One Brisbane committee, who have short listed this novel in the 2005 leg of the competition, may not have catered well enough for a wider Brisbane audience with this choice. The book is a fabulous and interesting read; there is no doubt about that. But, The Starthorn Tree is children's literature. This may indeed promote a culture of reading, the aim of the competition, among Brisbane's children and young adult readers, but perhaps not inspire Brisbane's adult readers to keep turning the pages. It may be a case where a young adult as well as an adult winner are needed to cater for all reading tastes.

Similarly, popular 2004 winner, The Girl Most Likely by Rebecca Sparrow was a novel more likely to appeal to a younger, female demographic in Brisbane. The joint winner, Johnno by David Malouf, may have appealed to another section of Brisbane's population.

But, who knows, adults may embrace The Starthorn Tree. The characters are varied and realistic. Plus, the themes of friendship and togetherness despite differences in background and beliefs are relevant to modern Australian culture.

Mates Pedrin and Durrik of the Hearthkin live their life reasonably peacefully trying to avoid too much notice from the Starkin people. But, the boys confront the Starkin when they are forced by royal decree to abandon their work in the fields to build a whimsical tower of glass that is supposed to awaken the 15-year-old Ziggy, Count of Estelliana. However, the clue to awakening the young Count lies in the perilous forest, home to the strange and deadly Wildkin. A group of misfits band together to find the ‘truth', braving the obstacles of the forest and the misconceptions they have of each other.

The adventures of Pedrin, Durrik, Lisandre, Mags, Briony, Sedgely, and a pair of feisty goats, as they battle sisikas, wood-sprites, gibgoblins, and much more, are all tremendous fodder for the child-like imagination. A bonus for young readers—the adventures don't necessarily need to end at the close of the last chapter. In the Kate Forsyth fantasy tradition, note the tremendously popular Witches of Eileanan series, sequels tend to follow.

About the reviewer: Jodi Crome has recently completed a Graduate Degree in Writing, Editing, and Publishing at The University of Queensland.